105 Spider boot release failed

[simo66]

The interior (and only) boot release on my Spider failed at the weekend!

Is there any other way of getting into the boot? The release felt a bit dry and stiff immediately beforehand and then suddenly had no resistance but did not open the boot

I am assuming either the cable has slipped off a retainer of some sort (best case) or that the cable has snapped. Haven't had time to check it out yet...

Anyone had any experience of this that they can share?

Cheers, Simon

[AikenDrum105]

If you're lucky - the cable has snapped just behind the release lever (where they usually do) - if you remove it you might be able to grab the end of the wire with vice-grips and pull to release the boot    

If it's snapped at the other end or come undone it gets tricky.   

On later spiders I *think* there's a small rubber bung in the boot floor directly under the latch,  you can lie under the car and use a long screwdriver / torch to lever it open.

Otherwise you might have to lift  the rubber / carpet covering for the rear cabin / boot wall,  and go in via the plastic blanking plates near the shock mounts in that rear panel to get into the boot - use a torch and an unbent coathanger or similar wire to reach in and either pull the release (a bit further away for roundtails)  - or perhaps undo the hinge bolts and lift the rear of the boot enough to get in there (they'll spring up hard as you release them - be careful)

I've heard of folks drilling a hole behind the number plate on kamm tail spiders to open it before    last resort maybe ...

Fingers crossed it's just behind the release lever.....    I've heard you can run some thick nylon string / fishing line from the release and just hide it within reach of the rear cabin wall as a backup in case it snaps again  

I hope that helps a little.

Cheers,

[simo66]

Many thanks Scott - am going to have a look at it today!

[simo66]

I can see that the cable has snapped just behind the lever - question is: how do I get the lever off?

I tried prising it off with a screw driver with no luck and there appears to be no fixing screws...

[AikenDrum105]

I think it slides into a channel at the top, and is then locked in place by a bracket and bolt on the lower back of the lever housing.  There's a couple of pics on these threads on the alfabb that might help..   You have to undo that bracket on the back of the lever housing,  then it should pull out from the bottom of the opening first.

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/gt-1965-1974/169508-trunk-wire.html

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/alfa-romeo-parts-sale-wanted/160471-more-73-spider-parts-available.html

If you put the top up,  and lift the rear cabin cover on that side of the car,  can you see the cable / back of the lever ?

Cheers,

[simo66]

Very helpful - many thanks

I managed to get the latch out with no problems. Looks like the cable has just slipped out of it's retainer. Am hoping this will not be too big a job to sort now!

[simo66]

Have finally got round to having this looked at...

I need to get a new cable fabricated - does anyone have any suggestion where I can get this done?

Inner northern / eastern suburbs would be preferable if possible!

Thanks!!

[GTV-074]

The cable is available from Alfa parts suppliers (check with the local suppliers) if they don't stock it, its available from the UK mob (eg. Highwood).

As others have said here, good idea to build in an "emergency" cable in case there is a next time!

Cheers.